I've never considered myself much of a political buff, but I've been excited today. While my newly found obsession with The West Wing is probably somewhat to blame for recently spurring my enthusiasm in the political process, I assure you that the brilliance of that show (or my crush on Rob Lowe?) is not the only reason. Not only does today mark the ever-so-important midterm elections and define 218 as the magic number, it finally puts an end to what could arguably be a season of the most annoying political commercials in television history. Tonight (and tomorrow and maybe nine months from now) there will be winners and losers, victorious empowerment and disappointing defeat, but right now, at this very moment as I write, so much of America's future remains utterly unpredictable. There is something, however, on Election Day that is an absolute guarantee: good ol' fashioned drama, evoking emotions of all sorts. I for one can always get excited about that.
I took a jaunt during my lunch break today to turn in my ballot at the Multnomah County Elections Headquarters, and I’ll admit that I felt a bit emotional myself. I experienced one of those cheesy, yet completely heartfelt "It's a privilege to be an American" moments. As I watched a KOIN 6 news guy get out of his studio van to cover the story and observed some of my fellow Portlanders line up at the polls, I was moved with a certain sense of patriotism. I may have even heard The West Wing theme music faintly playing in the background.
Like any holiday suggests, the presence of food is a necessity in order to properly celebrate. Election Day is not exactly a holiday known for its food, but why shouldn't it be? If you were to poll a handful of Americans right now, I'd bet that the majority would choose to eat while they watch the results trickle in. Even a higher percentage of those Americans would want comforting food that make them feel warm, safe, or nostalgic for a simpler time. So what kind of food should be eaten on Election Day? Foods that are red, white, and blue in color? Cleverly named foods like hot wings and freedom fries? What is the one food that defines democracy? I really have no idea, but what I had in mind to celebrate “Decision 2010” tonight is not only quintessentially American, but it's also very much in season. My fellow Americans, the clatter kitchen voted to make an apple pie.
In the name of freedom and all things delectable, I elected to skip spinning class tonight in order to fully celebrate. There are few things in life I enjoy more than 1) baking and 2) watching drama unfold. And tonight was the perfect night to engage in both at the same time. Burning calories might be beneficial, but I figured I'd be sweating enough as it is between the heat of the oven and the tight governor race between Chris Dudley and John Kitzhaber that I could easily justify my gym absence.
For the pie itself, I considered using my mother’s crust recipe, but then decided I would consult Martha Stewart’s Cooking School and try her pâte brisée instead. This recipe involves butter - lots of butter - so I knew it had to be a winner. I used a variety of apples and got to work, strategically creating a workspace in the kitchen that faced the television in the other room. Turns out there’s something strangely relaxing about peeling and coring apples as the Democratic House comes apart at the seams…uh, not that you should interpret that statement as an official clatter political stance.
Now that I’m sitting on my couch, clicking away on the keyboard while simultaneously captivated by the Congress scoreboard on the television screen and shoving fresh, home-baked apple pie à la mode in my mouth, I'm feeling extremely blessed - not only to be a person who can make a decent pie, but more importantly, to be an American. Too often I think we take that for granted. So with that said, clatter thanks you for voting. Here's to the voice of the people...to the very last bite.
Did you eat it all yourself? And how did the crust compare to the "family" recipe?
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